South Yarra Welcomes A New Madame, Lulu White

The 4 Yarra Street site was once home to Paradise Girls brothel, where asking for your ‘usual’ resulted in something much more risqué than a strong latte! Hence the reference to Lulu White, an infamous procuress and savvy businesswomen, notorious for her ‘hospitality’.

There’s a cheeky gesture to its origins, but House of Lulu White’s focus is on quality café cuisine in a vibrant setting. Designed by TOFU, its bold pink colour palette, oak timber floors, and pops of breezy green exude a holiday feel that transports diners to the charm of Palm Springs.

Tropical wallpaper and ceiling panels, along with an illuminated sign of Lulu’s plump lips overlook the communal-style dining space, with the 50-seat venue inviting guests to graze from breakfast through to lunch over coffee by Dukes.

There’s an all-day breakfast menu featuring some of the usual brunch suspects, along with an array of more playful dishes in a nod to Lulu and the former ‘paradise’ establishment.

What a croque features Christmas ham and raclette croque with mustard, poached eggs and whipped smoked cheddar, while porridge with steel cut oats and shaved rhubarb can be spiked with an impish splash of whisky.

For lunch, there’s comforting options like the crisp fish-finger sandwich with coriander, pickled carrot and cucumber nahm prik, along with Tataki Ocean Trout, buckwheat noodles, edamame, wakame and yuzu sesame dressing.

Those after something stronger than a Dukes espresso, can indulge in Lulu’s enticing $30 bottomless brunch every weekend with all-you-can-drink Mimosas, espresso martinis and bloody Marys.

Open from 7am-4pm on all other weekdays and 8am-4pm on Saturdays and Sundays, House of Lulu White is Melbourne’s newest brunch retreat, a destination to soak up a refreshing tropical ambiance, despite the gloom of Melbourne’s winter months.